John William Coltrane
- Born:
- September 23, 1926, Hamlet, North Carolina, USA
- Died:
- July 17, 1967, Huntington, Long Island, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Saxophonist, Composer, Bandleader
Early Life and Education
- Early exposure to music through his father, a tailor and amateur musician, and his mother, a church choir member.
- Moved to Philadelphia in 1943 and began formal music studies at the Ornstein School of Music and the Granoff School of Music.
- Served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946, playing alto saxophone in a Navy band.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early career included playing with Dizzy Gillespie and Johnny Hodges in the mid-1950s.
- Gained prominence as a member of Miles Davis's First Great Quintet (1955-1957) and later the sextet (1958-1960).
- Led his own quartet featuring McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones starting in 1960.
- Pioneered the use of modal jazz and free improvisation techniques.
- Developed the "sheets of sound" improvisational style.
Notable Works
Selected Discography
| Title | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Steps | 1960 | Atlantic |
| My Favorite Things | 1961 | Atlantic |
| A Love Supreme | 1965 | Impulse! |
| Ascension | 1966 | Impulse! |
Legacy and Impact
John Coltrane remains one of the most influential saxophonists and composers in jazz history. His innovative approach to harmony, improvisation, and spirituality in music has inspired generations of musicians across genres. Many users searching online for "john coltrane biography wiki" are looking for an overview of his profound musical achievements and personal life.